Multiple-shuttle loom.



No. 720,181. PATENTED FEB. 10, 1903;]

L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19,1901.

WITNESSES:

INVENTEIRI M. x A

No. 720,181. PATENTED FEB. 10, 1903. L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19, 1901.

NO MODEL. 13 $HEETSSHE'ET 2.

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PATENTED FEB. [10, 1903.

APPLICATION, FILED JUNE 19, 1901.

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L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19 1901.

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- INVENTEIRI EVIE SALISBURY F 7)? TTYS No. 720,181. PATENTED, FEB. 10, 1903. LLB. SALISBURY. MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19, 1901. H0 MODEL. I 13 SHEETEBHEET 5.

PATENTED FEB. 10, 1903.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19, 1901.

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No. 720,181. I PATENTED FEB. 10, 1903. L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLICATION IILEDVJUNE 19, 1901.

no MODEL. 1a SHEETS-SHEET 7.

9 WITNEEEEIS'. i INVENTEIH'.

No. 720,181. PATENTED FEB. 10, 1903. L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19, 1901 10 MODEL. 13 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

WITNEESEE'. F514. INVENTEIR'.

LE VIE. QSALISB UK I.

PATENTED FEB. 10, 1903.

v L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 19, 1901.

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INVENTU RI PATENTEU FEB. 10, 1903.

L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLIUATION FILED JUNE 19, 1901.

13 SHEETS-SHEET 11.

110' QDBL. L

INVENTU R'.

5 E 5 5 c N T w 'No. 720,181. PATENTED FEB. 10, 1903.

L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19, 1901.

N0 MODEL. 13 BHIj-ETE-BHEET 12.

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No. 720,181. PATENTED FEB. 10, 1903.

L. E. SALISBURY.

MULTIPLE SHUTTLE LOOM.

nruuulon FILED mm: 19, 1901.

10:10pm. 1a SHEETS-SHEET 13.

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- F5. 25. WITNESEEE'. INVENTEIRL UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

LEVI E. SALISBURY, OF PROVIDENCE, Rl-IODE ISLAND.

MULTIPLE-SHUTTLE L0.0M.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 720,181, d t d February 10,1903,

Application filed June 19, 1901- Serial No. 65,108. (No model) ricssuch,for example, as woolen dress goods,

suitings, plain and twilled, &;c.-the loom, in fact, being adapted to weave any style or pattern of goods that may be produced on any of the well-known woolen looms.

My improved loom, which may be termed an automatic non-reciprocating multipleshuttle loom, is adapted to simultaneously produce two distinct webs of cloth (one at each side of the loom) from two independently mounted beams carrying the warpyarn s, which pass through two corresponding sets or series of independently-actuated harnesses, heddles, and reeds and a series of continuously traveling shuttles arranged each to successively and automatically select and charge itself with a length of weft yarn or thread (from large fixed spools or bobbins) to produce a single pick and deliver or feed the same to the respectivewebs while the shuttle is being propelled through or between the corresponding warp-yarns-that is to say, in my improved loom the continuously-traveling (but non-reciprocating) shuttles follow one another at comparativelyshort intervals, so that, say, in the production of doublewidth goods there may be five or six of them simultaneously and continuously traveling across and deliveringweft-threads into the web being produced, the construction and arrangement of the various mechanisms being such that the several heddle-carrying harnesses (each divided longitudinally into short independent sections) are automatically and successively set or adjusted just in advance of the next succeeding shuttle and its weftthread or pick. At substantially the same instant that the harnesses are being set, as

just stated, the corresponding portion of thereed, also divided into short independent sec-' tions, is being actuated to beat up into the web the weft-thread or pick delivered by the immemay be less than one-half that of the latter.

In carrying out my invention I provide the loom with two positively and continuously driven endless belts or chainstraveling in unison in one direction in different horizontal planes and at exactly the same rate of speed. The lower chain has a series, say, of sixteen cams repeated at regular intervals throughout the chain, arranged and adapted to engage with and actuate the harnesses, (sixteen in number,) each being divided longitudinally into short sections. Each series of cams is antomatically tripped as they pass out of or from the harnesses of one side of the loom and are again mechanically readjusted or reset by a suitably arranged and actuated pattern-chain before the cams engage the other set of harnesses to operate the heddles of the opposite side of the loom. The other or upper of said continuously-traveling chains carries a series of independent shuttles arranged with respect to the said harness -operating cams. These shuttles are each suceessively and automatically charged with a weft-yarn selected from any one of a series, say, of five colors located in the path of the shuttles, which is fed into the Web and between the warp-yarns, which latter are opened or shed immediately in advance of its shuttle. ing continuously in one direction, as before stated, carries the shuttles as they emerge empty from one side of the loom around the end of the machine, the shuttles meanwhile being successively charged with the weftyarn prior to entering the other side of the loom.

I would state that my improved loom is capable of producingcolor goods having exactly the same style, pattern, or design as can be produced on a common or drop-box loom employing a corresponding number of harnesses The chain travel- ICO ' and colors and having reciprocating shuttles. transverse section taken on line 5 of Fig. 5,

Amongother advantages possessed by my improved loom is this: that while the production or output greatly exceeds that of the common loom the power required for operating it isless. This result is due to the fact that practically all the movements of the parts are continuous and, non-reciprocating. The shuttles are small and light and are positivelydriven or propelled continuously in one di rection only. Therefore theloomis adapted to;

produce cloth at almost any-rate of shuttle speed less than a maximumthat is to say, in looms in which the shuttles are shot or pro pelled alternately back and forth the shuttle must arrive at estate of rest at each end of the throw or movement before it can be reciprocated back again, even though the shuttle be positively driven. Moreover, the force of the blow or impact must be suflicient to carry the shuttle the entire length of the raceway. Thus it is apparent that any reduction ofspeedbelow the normal is liable to be attended with serious results.

In my improved loom, however, the speed of the shuttles is constant throughout, the rate of travel corresponding with the speed of the main driving mechanism. The weft-yarns may be fed and 'properlyinterwoven into the fabric even though the loom be running slowly or at an irregular rate of speed, a feature not possible in looms in which the shuttles are reciprocated'to and fro in the raceway.

In .my improved loom the harnesses are ac tuated by a series of cams or other analogous means adapted to travel continuously in one direction, the latter being, in fact, the same as that of the shuttles and at exactly the same rate of speed. These cams are automatically adjusted for each pick (it need be) by means of amechanically-actuatedpattern-chain, which is set up or arranged-.by the patterndesigner before the loom is setin'motion, the

result being that the cooperation of the shuttleand harness mechanisms reproduces the pattern or design in the fabric at fixed intervals throughout the web or bolt.

I may add that in a general way the operative relations of the shuttles, harnesses, and pattern-chains to one another are substantially' the same as in the usual multicolor or fancy loom, in which the shuttles are reciprofcated back and forth in layingt-he weft-yarns,

taken on line 3 3 of Fig.

so that the style, quality, and appearance of the goods or fabrics produced on both types of looms are exactly the same.

In the accompanying thirteen sheets of drawings illustrating my improved loom, Figurel is a side elevation of the loom complete as in use. Fig. 2 is an end elevation viewed from the driving end of the loom. Fig. 3 is aplan-view corresponding with Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a partial transverse section, enlarged, Fig. 5 is a side view, enlarged, of a portion of the harness or heddle operating chain and also showing the harness-shedding mechanism. Fig. 6 is a line 13 13 of Fig. 13.

the chain as drawn having a series of sixteen cams adapted to control and actuate a corresponding number of harnesses. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a plan view of one of the harnesscams detached from the chain. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the harness-cams and also showing the device for automatically tripping the switches or dogs.

Fig. 10'is a partial longitudinal section taken through the harnessactuating chain, frame, and harness-guides,

showing the relation of the harness-sections to the harness-cams, 85c. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a portion of the shuttle carrying or propelling chain, the take-up mechanism, &c. Fig. 12 is a transverse section of the shuttlecarrying chain, its guide, reeds, &c. taken on Fig. 13 is a horizontal sectional or plan view taken on line 12 12 of Fig. 12, showing the manner of operating the reed-sections, &c. Fig. 14 is a side view of one of the reed guides or ways. Fig. 15 is a transverse section of the shuttle carrying chain guide ortrack and showing an end view of the shuttle and its carriage, the reed, &c. Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 17 17 of Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a combined elevation and longitudinal section taken on line 15 15 of Fig. 15. Fig. 18 is a combined horizontal section and plan view taken on line am; of Fig. 15, the shuttle being omitted. Fig. 19 is an end view, enlarged, of the weft-changing and shuttle-charging mechanisms, the cross-section of the shuttle-chain track being taken at the line a; a; of Fig. 1. Fig. 20 is a central sectional view of the mechanisms represented in Fig. 19, the shuttle-carriage being omitted. Fig. 21 is a horizontal sectional view in partial elevation, taken on line 19 19 of Fig. 19. Fig. 22 is a still further enlarged horizontal sectional view of the forward portion of the shuttle, corresponding with Fig. 21. line 21 21 of Fig. 21, showing the weft-cutting device. Fig. 24 is aside View of the cam for locking the shuttle to the carriage. Fig. 25 is a similar view of the unlocking-cam. Fig. 26 is an end elevation of one of the harness-sections, including its heddles. Fig. 27 is a corresponding side elevation, the harnessblade and some of the heddles being omitted.

Fig. 28 is a plan view of the harness-section; and Fig. 29 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a portion of the take-up device, taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 2.

I may state in passing that while the construction and manner of operation of some of the devices or instrumentalities employed in my improved loom are to a certain extent unlike the mechanisms employed in the usual type of loom for analogous results I deem it desirable in the following description or specification to use terms or names which have a well-known meaning in the textile-manufacturing arts. For example, a shuttle is usually arrangcd and adapted to carry a spool or Fig. 23 is a transverse section taken on v cop of weft yarn or thread and is rcciprocated to and fro alternately in the shuttle-box or lay, the shuttle being wholly clear from the warps before the harness-shed can take place. Consequently in such cases a single shuttle can only be in service at the same time or instant.

I am aware that looms have been devised in which two or more shuttles are passed successively through theshed or warps at the same time. In such former arrangement, however, the shuttles-are provided with cops, bobbins, or spools of weft-yarn.

My weft-carrier, which I term a shuttle, does not reciprocate, nor does it carry a spool or cop of yarn, but simply a length of yarn to produce a single pick. The usual harness is a single or integral member extending en: tirelyf' across the loom longitudinally; so, also, is the reed member, as is well known. Therefore whenever they perform their functions the entire harness and reed must be actuated. I would state, however, that looms have been devised in which the harnesses and reeds are divided into a number of short sections.

In my improved loom the harnesses and reeds are each divided into several short independent sections, forming a number of series corresponding to the number of shuttles being propelled across the loom simultaneously. I term each section of the harness a harness-section and each section of the reed a reed-section. Each harness-section carries a series of vertically-extending fiat wires, each having a hole therethrough to receive a warp-yarn. These wires, which I term heddles, are employed in lieu of the usual heddlcs.

The following letters of reference designate in a general way the devices or instru men talities constituting my improved loom, to Wit:

A is the loom as a whole; B, the main driving mechanism; 0, the continuously-traveling harness-actuating chain; D, the harnessactuating cams, secured to and carried by said chain C; E, the pattern-chain and its mechanism, adapted to automatically actuate the switches in the traveling harness-actuating cams D, so as to shed the corresponding harness in advance of the next succeeding shuttle; E, the device for tripping or returning the switches to the 'normal position; F, the vertically-guided harness-sections, the same being in engagement with and actuated by the said harness-actuating cams; G, the heddles, secured to the upper end of the harness-sections; II, the shuttle-carrying-chaiu track or support; I, the shuttlecarrying chain, adapted to travel in said track H; R, the shuttle-carriage and its connections; J, the shuttle itself; K, the reed-sections, ar-

ranged to be actuated by cams on the shut-' tle-carrying chain 1; L, the device for locking the shuttles to the carriages secured to said chain I; M, the means for unlocking the shuttles from the carriages; N, the patternchain and its mechanism for automatically and successively selecting and delivering the proper weft-yarns to the shuttles; O, the device for automatically severing the weft-yarn from the stationary supply spool or bobbin; P, the take-up mechanism, adapted to be actuated pick by pick, if desired, and Q the adapted to successively actuate the reed-sections to beat up thepicks into the fabric. A similar chain is employed for actuating the severalharness-sections. located in different horizontalplanes and'are driven in one direction only, but at exactly the same rate of speed. 'In or'der'that'the chains may be actuated with greater ease and uniformity, they are mounted on'positively-driven sprocket-wheels locatedat each end of the loom, said wheels being -simu'lta neously rotated by means of gearingwhich' receives its motion froma shaft'extending longitudinally through the center of the loom. The following is a detailed description of the several devices before "referredto'an'd taken in the order named. The main driving mechanism B, (shown more clearly in Figs. 1 and 2,) through which the loom is actuated, is provided with the usual, fast and loose belt-driven pulleysl) or clutch-pulley, if desired. The first or short driving-shaft Z), on which said pu-lleys'are mounted, revolves in suitable bearings. It carries a spur-gear b meshing into a larger gear b secured to the shaft extending longitudinally through the center of the. loom. At each end of this shaft is secured a bevelpinion If, each intnrn meshing into a larger bevel-gear 0 secured to upright shafts b Fig. 3, which latter carry the horizontally-arranged sprocket-wheelss for actuating the harness-chain C. Thus it will be seen that the two upright shafts b and any gearing connected therewith are adapted to be 1'0- tated in exact unison.

The harness-actuating chain 0 consists of a series of connected alternatingplain and cam links 0- 0, respectively, Figs. F, 6, 7, 9, 10, the. The links are jointed together at the inner side or edge by means of pins 0 passing through ears integral with the links. A plain link and a cam-link constitute one of the said series. The chain is endless and is mounted on and actuated by the driving or sprocket wheels s, before described. The

two opposi to sides or edges of the links are,

The weft-yarns The two chains are as drawn,provided with V-shaped projections or lugs 0 Figs. and 6, adapted to travel in correspondingly-shaped grooves or tracks 0 formed in'the lower adjacent faces of the stationary girders or ties 0 the latter being secured to and uniting the two end frames a of the loom, as clearly shown. Each of said frames has two openings therein, through which the chain and its cams freely pass. The said tracks 0" are continued at each end of the loom by means of the short brackets cflwhich also serve to properly guide the chain to and from the chain-wheels s. In order to form a support for the outer portions of the chain while it is passing around the ends of the" loom, I provide a. substantially semicircular flat track member 0 'securedto the ends of said brackets 0 (See Figs. 1 and 2.)

The harness-actuating cams D are constructed and arranged as follows: The upper side or face of each of theli-nks of said chain C is provided with a series of, as drawn, sixteen laterally-separated longitudinally-extending grooves, into which the cams are inserted and secured in a vertical position by the two transverse bolts or pins (1 These cams, which are practically flat steel plates, are arranged in series-that is, the plain plates or cams d are mounted in the said plain links 0 and alternate with the plates d, in which the cams properare formed, thelatter plates being secured to the links a. In the vertical or workin g face of each plate or cam (l d are cut longitudinally-extending upper and lower grooves d (2 respectively, adapted to receive and actuate the harness-sections, soon to be described. At or near the center of the camplates (1' the said grooves d} d are deflected,

so as to cross each other, theinclined grooves being indicated at d. (See Figs. 5, 7, 9, and 10.) At the point of intersection of these grooves cl the stock is cut away, so as to form an enlarged space (1 In this space is located a short pivotally-mounted switch or arm (1 its sides being adapted to form a continuation of the said inclined grooves. When the switchisin the position represented in Fig.

,5, the action of the traveling chain would be to elevate the harness-sections. Conversely, the position of the switch represented in Fig. 7would be to depress the harness. Thus it will be seen that the shed of the harness and its warps is effected automatically in either direction,according to the respective positions of the switches'd- The switches are actuated bymeans of fiat vertically-slidable bars 01 connected therewith and dovetailed into the,

arranged to spring into one or the other of two well-rounded holes 61 formed in the bar. These holes are separated vertically by a distance equal to the movement of the bar in swinging the switch from one position to the other.

The mechanism E for actuating the switches (Z of the cam-plates (1, whereby the harnesses are automatically set or adjusted with respect to each pick introduced into the fabric, consists of a pattern-chain, &c., adapted to be intermittingly operated by the cam-plates of the traveling chain 0. This device (one at each end of the loom) is located just in front of the end frame a and, as drawn, is secured to one of the said chain-supporting guides or brackets o as shown in Figs. 5, 6, the. As thus arranged theseveral switch-bars of each successive chain-link c as they pass the pattern-chain mechanism are suitably set just prior to entering that portion of the loom in which the harnesses are mon 11 Led whereby the latter cause the warp-yarns carried by the heddles thereof to be correspondingly elevated or depressed, or shedded, as it is termed. In this device, as drawn, the endless patternchain 6 consists of connected end links 6, united transversely by small rods or pins (9*, on each of which are rcmovably mounted small and larger rolls e 0, respectively, sometimes called sinkersan( risers. The length of this chain as well as the number and relative position of the rolls employed are calculated and arranged by the designer in accordance with the style. or pattern to be produced in the fabric, substantially as usual in fancyor pattern looms. To the under side of said brackets c are secured two small side frames 6 in which'the chain-wheel shaft is revolubly mounted. The said chain or sprocket wheel e supports and actuates the chain c. To the front or outer end of' shaft 6 is secured a ratchet-wheel e adapted to be rotated by the spring-pressed push-pawl e", in turn jointed to and vertically reciprocated by the guided bar e jointed to an arm a of the rocker-' shaft e. To each front or outer cam-plate d is secured a steel dog e having a beveled end 6, adapted to engage a short arm 6 ,10- cated in the path of the dog and secured to said rocker-shaft e all as clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The said frames 6 are secured together by means of the two tie-rods ti. On the former rod are loosely mounted swinging switch-levers t the outer or free ends of which are adapted to be in intermittent engagement with the lower ends (51 of the corresponding switch-bars, the arrangement being such that when one of the large rolls 6 of the moving pattern-chain 6 contacts with its lever the latter will be quickly lifted, thereby elevating the corresponding switch-bar. In case, however, one of the small rolls 6 be present the lever will remain in its lowest or normal position, as clearly shown in Fig. 7. I may add that after the dog 6 has passed beyond the arm 6 the latter, together with IIC the pawl e" and its connections, will swing upwardly by means of the spring e Fig. 5, so as to be again actuated by the next-succeeding dog, the operation being repeated upon the passage of each cam-plate d. It will be seen that the construction and arrangement are such that the entire series of sixteen switch-levers t are or may be actuated simultaneously by the single series of dogs and the intermediate connections.

The device E for automatically and successively tripping or forcing all the switch-bars cl downwardly to the normal position after the cam-plates d of the harness-actuating chain 0 have for the time being completed their work and before agai n engaging the harnesses of the other side of the loom is represented in Fig. 9. To the outer face of the frame a and extending across the top and in front of the frame-opening c is secured a suitable bracket u, having its under side to beveled and carrying an adj ustably-secured steel tripping-plate or thin flat bar of, its lower edge being slightly beveled or rounded and lying contiguous to the top edge of the camplates d d of the chain 0. By means of this device all the elevated switch-bars upon engaging with said tripping-plates a will be quickly forced downwardly and uniformly to the normal position (see dotted lines) preparatory to being reset by the other pattern-chain mechanism E before the cams again rengage the harnesses.

In my improved loom I may use the same number of harnesses as are employed in other fancy looms; but in lieu of making each barness integral throughout or across the length of the loom I divide each one into a series of comparatively short independent sections F.

In the accompanying drawings I have represented sixteen harnesses, each divided into short sections, as just stated. Each section F consists of a thin flat steel blade f, Figs. 4 and 10, and a head portion f, in which the heddles G are suitably secured. These blades are arranged in a vertical manner and are adapt-ed to slide in grooves formed in the transverse guidesf in turn secured to the ties 0 before described. To the lower central part of each blade is mounted a pin or small laterally-projecting rollf in continuous engagement with one or the other of said cam-grooves. Obviously while they are in the horizontal grooves of the plain cam-plates (I no movement whatever of the harness-sections can take place; but upon entering the inclined grooves (Z of the plates d the sections will be deflected upwardly or downwardly, as the case may be, until the roll' f engages the exposed or open side of the switch (1, at which instant the latter, according to its position, will cause the section to continue and complete its original movement or else deflect it back again to the horizontal groove, in which latter event only a partial shedding action will then take place.

The heddles G are preferably mounted in and secured to the head portion of the harness-sections, substantially as shown in Figs. 26, 27, and 28. As thus drawn, the face of the head member f is providedwith a series of short lugs f, corresponding with the number, of heddles to be secured to the section. Fig. 27 shows a front view of the head with the blade f and some of the heddles omitted. The heddles may be made of fiat steel wire cut to the desired length and having wellrounded edges. The lower end of the heddle has an opening g therein adapted to receive a lugf. After the heddles of each section are mounted therein the members ff, with the interposed. heddles, are clamped together by means of short screws f or other suitable device. The heddles are comparatively short and are or may be all alike throughout the loom. In order to more readily permit the passage of the warp-yarns through the heddle-eyes g, the body of the heddle contiguous to the head of the harnesssection is twisted axially about thirty degrees. substantially as indicated at g in Fig. 28. The heddles, as shown in the drawings.

extend vertically from the harness frame or.

head f and are unsupported at the top. As an advantage resulting from this arrange ment the drawing-in operation may be somewhat facilitated.

At the upper part of the loom are secured two parallel laterally-separated longitudinally-extending channeled bars or members H, forming a continuous straight track or guide for the traveling shuttle carrying chain I, soonto be described. These bars H further serve to tie the end frames a together. They also form supports for other mechan isms adapted to cooperate with the shuttles.

The shuttle-carrying endless chain I is composed of a series of alternate plain and cam links 11 11, respectively. The chain is flat and fitted to slide in the recessed portion of said track H. The links are jointed together at the inner edge or side substantially the same as the harness-actuating chain 0, the latter chain.however,being m uch larger and heavier than the chain I. The length of the links from center to center of the joint-pins is exactly the same in bot-h chains, and since they travel in unison it follows that the relative arrangement of the links of one chain remains constant with respect to those of the other' chain. 'lhelinksi,wbich [term plain links, are adapted to carry each a shuttle, the alternate links 71' being provided with a V- shaped cam-groove i adapted to successively actuate the reed-sections K to beat up th fabric. The links 'ihave a straight groove therein adapted'to maintain a true guide for the reed-sections while the traveling shuttles are being supported by them. I may add that the said grooves iii form a practicallycontinuous track for the reed-sections, the latter remaining stationary except when actuated by said cam portion P.

The following describes the mechanism for ICO driving the chain 1: At each end of the loom is secured to the frame a a a large outwardlyextending bracket v, (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, &c.,) each forming a bearing for said upright shaft b the latter being surmounted by a spurgear r, Fig. 3, meshing into the two intermediate or stud gears :1 in turn driving the two gears r (indicated by dotted lines,) the latter turning on short vertical shafts fixed in said bracket. -Mounted above and secured to each of said gears v is located a sprocket or chain wheel r carrying the chain I. The proportion of the several gears, as Well as the timing of them, is such that they are adapted to revolve in one direction with the chain C, so that both chains travel at exactly the'same rate of speed, as before stated.

In order to provide an auxiliary support for the chain I while the latter is passing around the ends of the loom, I may employ a suitably-bent thin flat track v its ends being secured to those of the said straight trackguides II. A similar but smaller track v is located just above the shuttles to prevent them from becoming accidentally detached from the chain or carriage. Au S-shaped end bracket N, Fig. 1, secu red to the said bracket 0 and also to the several track members a 12 and v serves to support the latter, smaller intermediate brackets u being used to maintain a uniform distance between the members '0 v vertically. The said shuttle driving or carrying chain I is provided with a series of carriages R, adapted to support a corresponding number ofshuttles. These carriages. are secured to the plain links 11 of the chain (see Figs. 15 to 19, inclusive) and have each a rearward extension '1', carrying two freelyturuing truck-rolls 7" 1*, in frictional engagement with each other. The rolls may be made of rawhide or other suitable material. The lower roll 0" is adapted to bear. upon the base of the reed-sections K, the arrangement being such that the traveling chain causes the roll to revolve in the arrow direction, Fig. 17', which in turn revolves the other roll r in a contrary direction. The upper surface of the carriage is made slightlycurved and smooth and forms a traveling support for the lower shed of warp-yarns, as clearly shown. The forward portion of the carriage is extended at r and has an opening 1' therethrough, in which a vertically-movable locking member Z is fitted.

The two reeds K are divided longitudinally of the loom into short independently-movable sections, each section being, say, one inch long. As drawn, the sections consist each of the elongated base k, into which the dents k are inserted and soldered, and the top member 10*, uniting the upper ends of the dents comprising the section. The dents are or may be made of thin sheet metal, the form being clearly shown in Figs. 12 and 15. The dents are separated laterally for the. passage between them of the warp-yarns, substantially as usual, the number of dents per inch of reed being governed by the size or number of the yarn used, also as common. The head portion of the dent is cut away on its under side to form, with the other dents of the reed, a continuous open groove having inturned ends, the dents being extended or. projecting in front for the purpose. a supporting guide and track in which the shuttles are suspended and adapted to freely travel therein. The base k of each reed-section is provided on its under side with a dovetail-shaped tongue 70, from which extends a stud or pin if, its lower portion being adapted This groove forms to work in the said continuous cam-grooves i r 11 of the chain I. (See Figs. 12, 13, 14,-'&c.)

The upper face of the shuttle'track member H is provided longitudinally on each side with a connected series of fixed guides is, adapted to form supports for the reed-sections to travel forth and back in. The guide members are dovetailed to receive the corresponding portion 7; of the reed-base. (See Fig. 14.) The inner ends of the adjacent guides are separated, so as to form an open space k along the center of the track H for the passage of the shuttle-carriages. (See Figs. 13, 15, &c.) The guides are also provided with end openings k in which the base-pins 70 of the reed freely travel. By means of the construction thus described it will be clear that while the chain I is passing along the two reeds K the forward end or side of the traveling cams will be gradually forcing the corresponding reed-sections outwardly to beat up into the fabric the weft-yarn or pick deposited by the immediately-preceding shuttle, the opposite side-of the cam at the same time retracting or returning the previously-advanced sections to the normal position. (See arrows,&c., in Fig. 13.) Thus it will appear that the reedsections are adapted to be operated in series at several continuously-changing points simultaneously, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. It is to be understood that a corresponding series of harness-sections are being shed or actuated.

concurrently with said series of reed-sections.

As drawn, there are five shuttles feeding the weft-yarns to the fabric continuously at each side of the loom. Therefore if it be assumed'that the chains 0 and I are driven at the low rate, say, of three feet per second and that the harnesses and reeds are six feet long it follows that the prod uction or output of fabric (on both webs) will be at the rate of five picks per second or three hundred per minute. It is obvious that the rate of production may be maintained irrespective of the width of the loom.

The shuttles J are made of thin metal, as steel, and polished. They are substantially rectangular cross-sectional ly and hollow, the forward end'bein g flat-pointed,so as to readily enter between the warps. The upper side of the shuttle has a flat longitudinally-extending bar j secured thereto, having well-rounded edges (see Figs. 15 and 16) adapted to enter and slide in the said open groove 7: of the reed-dents, the form of the groove being such that it supports the weight of the shuttle and prevents it from moving out of its true or normal position either vertically or laterally. The under side of the shuttle is provided wit h a suitably-beveled rib 7", arranged when in use to defiect the lower warps, a narrow clear space j being formed between the adjacent surfaces of said rib and the top of the carriage R, as shown in Figs. 16, 17, 850. At the rear end of the shuttle is mounted a freely-turningfriction-rollj' similar to the said rolls 7" 7' of the carriage, it s center being above and somewhat'in advance of the roll 7", whereby the latter is adapted to rotate the shuttle-roll, the shuttle at the same time being propelled ahead by the combined movement of the carriage andits revolving rolls, as clearly indicated in Fig. 17. It will be seen that the lower warp-yarns are deflected by the shuttle-roll and pass betweenthe adjacent faces of said rolls j and W. A longitudinally-extending opening 7' is formed in the top wall of the shuttle for the free passage of the lower end of the weft-yarn guides or levers 91 which deliver the weft to the shuttle-charging mechanism. This latter consists of a series of light pivotally mounted arms or fingers arranged along and near the outer longitudinal edges of the shuttle-frame, the fingers on one side alternating with those of the other side and adapted (when the shuttle is being charged) to swing inwardly one after the other in a zigzag man ner, as clearly shown in Figs. 21 and 22. The outer portion of each of the fingers beyond the fulcrum or pivot-pins is arranged at substantially right angles therewith and consists of a short arm j. These do not extendbeyond the shuttle-frame. Therefore they are protected and cannot engage the face of the reed-sections while the shuttles are passing through them.

The shuttles are charged with the weftyarn w as follows: Just before each shuttle enters the warp-yarns w, the several fingersf then being swung rearwardly and empty, the traveling shuttle passes between two oppositely-arranged stationary dogs f, located in the path of the short armsj, which latter engage the said dogs and cause the fingers to be quickly and successively swung inwardly or downwardly, thereby at the same time instantly enfolding the weft-yarn between and upon the fingers in a zigzag manner, the proper weft-guide it having previously been brought into position to deliver the desired length of weft-yarn to the fingers. After the shuttle has entered between the warps a.

.proper distance the yarn trailing from the slot 3' at the rear end of the shuttle is mechanically severed from the main spool or supply. This device will be described later. After the weft-yarn to has been delivered by the shuttle into the web or fabric (the shuttle having of course been unlocked from the carriage before entering the warp in order to allow the latter to pass between the shuttle and carriage) the shuttle is again locked to the carriage, so that it may becarried around the end of the loom. The means L for thus locking the parts together are as follows: To the front end of the carriage R is pivoted a lever Z, having the vertical locking-bar Z jointed thereto, the latter extending upwardly in an opening 7', formed in the extension 1' of the carriage and adapted to enter a corresponding openingj registering therewith, formed in the under side of the shuttle. The other or outer end Z of the lever is arranged to engage a stationary cam i having a beveled surface, thereby forcing downwardly the outer end of the lever and elevating the opposite end, the result being to introduce the upper end of the bar I into the opening or socketj of the shuttle. (See Figs. 1b, 24:, 850.) While the traveling shuttle is thus being locked, it is maintained in position by means of the fixed guide-bracket 1 secured to the rear side of the track member H. .(Sce Fig. 16, &c.) The lever l is held in either position by means of a spring pin or catch 1 mounted in an extension or lug r of the carriage. The shuttle as thus locked is now carried around the end of the loom by means of the chain I, mounted on the two gear-driven chain-wheels v, and is automatically unlocked from the carriage just before it renters the warps and after being again recharged with the weft-yarn. The means for unlocking or detaching the shuttle from the carriage are as follows: In fact, it is simply a reversal of thelocking operation and consists of a fixed cam M, also secured to but at the opposite end of a track member H, the arrangement being such'that the end Z of thelever lis elevated by its engagement with the cam projection m of the cam M, and thus withdraws the bar I from the shuttle, the latter meanwhile fairly entering the reed-sections to deliver a new pick or length of weft-yarn into the corresponding web or fabric. Figs. 24 and 25 show the said locking and unlocking cams and the relative positions of the lever to them. v

The pattern-chain and mechanism connected therewith for automatically and successively selecting and introducing the proper weft-yarns w to the shuttles J are indicated at N, Figs. 19, 20, and 21. I prefer to locate the same contiguous to the front end of the reed and at each outer end of the loom. (See Fig. 3.) 1

The following is a detailed description of the device and the manner of its operation: To the front side of the track member H is secured a curved overhanging bracket '11, in which is mounted a revoluble short shaft n, carrying a sprocket-wheel M, which in turn actuates the endless pattern-chain 72 This chain is composed of links and small and larger rolls, substantially as hereinbefore described with respect to the pattern-chain e, employed for automatically setting the switches mounted in the harness-actuating cams. In fact, the several rolls are alike and 

